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Swords for Hire
£9.99
Swords for Hire—The Scottish Mercenary
Scotland's warrior tradition of mercenary service across Europe
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About the Ebook
In 1612, George Sinclair, an illegitimate son of a Caithness laird, became a Norwegian national hero. Along with almost 300 of his followers, Sinclair was killed in an ambush in Norway while marching to join the king of Sweden's army. Sinclair has legendary status in Norway but has been almost totally forgotten at home, just as the memory of thousands of other Scots who served as mercenaries in the armies of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries has faded into obscurity.
In this book, James Miller tells how a considerable proportion of the able-bodied male population of Scotland at one time sought service on behalf of almost every dynasty and monarch on the continent. Some were fleeing from justice, others went to seek fame and fortune - and found it.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Follow the stories of Scots who sold their military prowess to foreign powers
- Discover how Scottish warriors shaped European history
- Explore the honour and controversy surrounding mercenary tradition
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
Reviews
'Miller is to be praised for the excellence of his research and the evenhandedness of his story about the Scottish mercenaries' Renaissance Magazine
'A serviceable overview of the activities of Scottish mercenaries in 17th century Europe' De Re Militari
About the Author
James Miller was born in Caithness and studied zoology in Aberdeen and marine biology in Montreal. After working for the British Council he became a full-time freelance writer. He has written a number of acclaimed books, including Scapa, The Dambuilders, The Foresters, Inverness and The Gathering Stream.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 10 December 2012
Print Length: 336 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9780857905482
Format: Ebook
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